Match Review

The Sydney Roosters now rely on the North Queensland Cowboys beating the Sea Eagles to claim the 2014 Minor Premiership after they held on against the Rabbitohs 28-18 at Allianz Stadium.

Wet conditions saw soaked turf in Moore Park as 32,481 fans braved the weather to witness what ended in a heart racer. Mitchell Pearce was the clear stand out on the field as his return to form saw the Roosters run riot for the majority of the game.

The game started slowly with both sides opting with penalties goals in the opening minutes to see the game locked up at 2-all.

Daniel Tuopu claimed the first four-pointer of the match mid-way through the first half. Tupou was awarded the points by the video referee after he cleaned up a one-on-one strip forced by Luke Keary.

Aidan Guerra will have a visit to the NRL Judiciary after this weekend as he was placed on report for a chicken wing tackle on Rabbitoh, Kyle Turner in the 21st minute.

The Roosters took an 8-2 lead into the half time break.

The second half didn't start well for the Rabbitohs as Kirisome Auva'a found himself sin binned for a professional foul. Auva'a pinged as he held down Mitchell Pearce after a making a line break. South Sydney down to 12 men as the Roosters capitalised and extended the lead to 10-2 with a penalty goal.

Anthony Minichiello celebrated his final regular season game with a try as Pearce provided the broken play to set up the points. This was followed up by James Maloney who scored the second try in five minutes to give the home side a 22-2 lead.

The game looked over with the Roosters in firm control of the game. However, it took a harsh turn in favour of the visitors as the Rabbitohs raced in three tries in 10 minutes. Dylan Walker (65th minute), Alex Johnston (71st minute) and Lote Tuqiri (75th minute) all breaking through the retreating Roosters defence to give them a scare in the final minutes.

The Roosters managed to hold onto the lead as they claimed victory, 22-18 with the Rabbitohs just falling short of stealing the two premiership points